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| On November 15, 2001 Microsoft launched the Xbox Video Game System in North America. Many dismissed the system as the next 3DO, but they could not have been more wrong. The Xbox has taken the world by storm, offering game experiences that often blur the line between fantasy and reality. The true successor to the DreamCast is finally here. And it is the Xbox. |
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| REVIEW: Opening Arguments: Panzer Dragoon appeared as a launch title on the sadly misjudged Sega Saturn system. Spawning two sequels, one a true sequel and the other an RPG, the series enthralled thousands of gamers with its innovative gameplay and astounding graphics. Unfortunately, when the Saturn died, so to did many hopes that another Panzer Dragoon game would grace the market. Yet Smilebit, the same company responsible for the wonderful Gunvalkyrie, has brought gamers that faint glimmer of hope...In Panzer Dragoon Orta. The Grim Reality: Gaming nirvana can be attained after only a few minutes with Panzer Dragoon Orta. From its dazzling graphical presentation, amazing orchestral score and simplistic, old school gameplay, Panzer Dragoon Orta surpasses its predecessors, setting a new mark by which all other rail shooters MUST be gauged. Gameplay: Where there is truth there is beauty, and in beauty lies the truth. The game begins with an epic battle in which our heroine, Orta, is rescued by a dragon. Though her past is a mystery and her connection to the dragon is unclear, Orta's rescue sets in motion a beautifully crafted and very intelligent story... One that brings many questions left from previous games to light, but answers very few. Those familiar with the series will recognize that the majority of the battle system has remained unchanged. Seated on the back of your dragon, Orta can maneuver the dragon along a pre- |
| determined flight path. Known as a rail shooter, this limits the amount of freedom the player has (Starfox for the SNES is another fine example of a rail shooter). However, unlike games like Starfox, PDO gives players the ability to rotate in a full 360-degree rotation around the dragon, giving Orta and the dragon the ability to fire at targets who are flanking the dragon or coming in from behind. As per the previous games, Orta can still lock onto enemies, dispatching several at once with only one shot. Shooting down more and more enemies fills up your "berserk meter," which allows the dragon to launch an all out laser barrage onto larger, more dangerous |
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| Smilebit + Large Dragons + Xbox = Gaming Nirvana |
| targets. Though simplistic in nature, this battle system is near perfect in execution, but there's more. New to Panzer Dragoon Orta is the ability to morph your dragon. Your dragon begins the game in Base Wing, his natural form. During the course of the game, you have the ability to change into Heavy Wing, which makes your dragon more powerful, but at the cost of losing some of your target locks, as well as Glide Wing, which makes you more agile, but with less defense. Some enemies release DNA modules that you can pick up that can raise the dragon's level as well. Another nice addition is the glide mode. Utilizing this fantastic feature, Orta can make the dragon speed up or slow down in small bursts, which comes in handy during boss battles. Graphics: It's hard to play PDO and not be completely mesmerized by the background visuals... They're that good. From dark underground chasms to a snowy mountaintop, the backgrounds are simply breathtaking. Character designs and effects are also incredible, pushing the Xbox to its very limits. The cut scenes are also stunning, with an immense amount of texture detail and unbelievable lighting effects. The graphics are simply awesome. Sound: The score for PDO is absolutely fabulous. Its opening primal beats mixed with a beautiful orchestral ambience makes for a totally immersive aural experience. While I feel the music in PDS was better, PDO certainly does the series justice. Sound effects are also incredible... Oh, any DC Phantasy Star Online vets out there? Listen closely and you'll hear sound effects from PSO! It's cool! Closing Comments: Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of PDO. Its amazing mixture of finely tuned game mechanics, mind-blowing graphics, and stupendous soundtrack will leave you nothing short of amazed. It's one of the best shooters ever made and it's LOADED with extras (including the game that started it all)! Do yourself a favor and get it today! |
| Screenshot courtesy of GameSpot (c) |
| - Laladien (3/6/03) |
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| SUMMARY: Years ago, a legacy was born that ruled the skies. As time passed and memory grew dim, distant times progressed from History into Legend. Now, the era of human prosperity has come to a grinding halt, with all but a few pockets of civilization destroyed by years of devastating battles. The population clings precariously to the brink of extinction, scattered across the desolate land, living in the darkest age in history. A new Empire rules with an iron grip, and a band of rebels begins a revolt in an attempt to become masters of their destiny once again. As the world is engulfed in the flames of war, an unlikely and unwilling hero must become mankind's only hope. Soon, the Dragon will rise again... |
| Panzer Dragoon Orta |
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| Publisher: Sega Developer: Smilebit Genre: Rail Shooter Players: 1 U.S. Release: 1/14/03 |
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